Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is often silent until it becomes dangerously advanced. For many elderly patients—especially those with long-standing diabetes—reduced blood flow to the legs can quickly escalate into non-healing wounds, severe pain, gangrene, and the looming risk of amputation.
This is the story of a 78-year-old diabetic woman who went from being completely bedridden to walking again, all thanks to timely diagnosis, expert decision-making, and precise endovascular treatment performed by Dr. Abhishek Kasha, a leading Interventional Cardiologist known for his excellence in complex peripheral interventions.
The Patient’s Condition: When Walking Becomes Impossible
The patient arrived in critical distress:
- Severe Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
- Dry gangrene of the left toes
- Severe rest pain
- Intense claudication, making even a few steps impossible
- Completely bedbound for days due to unrelenting limb ischemia
- Long-standing diabetes, further complicating blood flow and healing
For her and her family, the fear was real: Could she lose her leg?
CT Peripheral Angiogram: The Alarming Findings
A detailed CT Peripheral Angiogram revealed the root cause of her suffering:
- Critical long-segment occlusion of the femoral artery
- Almost no blood reaching the lower limb
- Severely compromised perfusion, unable to support tissue survival
This was a classic case of Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO)—one of the most challenging patterns of arterial blockages. Without urgent intervention, the risk of major amputation was extremely high.
The Procedure: Balloon Angioplasty for CTO
Under the expertise of Dr. Abhishek Kasha, the patient underwent a Peripheral Balloon Angioplasty specifically designed to open CTOs of the femoral artery.
How the procedure helped:
- A guidewire was skillfully navigated across the total blockage
- High-pressure balloons were used to crack and compress the plaque
- Blood flow was restored without the need for open surgery
- Immediate improvement was noted in the blood supply to the leg
This minimally invasive approach was critical in saving the limb while avoiding the risks associated with surgical bypass in an elderly diabetic patient.
Results: A Transformation Worth Celebrating
The angiographic results were excellent:
- ✔️ Restored blood flow to the lower limb
- ✔️ Rapid reduction in rest pain
- ✔️ Limb salvage achieved, preventing amputation
- ✔️ Foot warmth and improved capillary refill
- ✔️ Patient stabilized and safely discharged
Most importantly, she regained mobility. From being completely bedridden, she is now able to sit, stand, and begin walking with support—a massive improvement from her pre-procedure condition.
Why Timely Diagnosis Matters
Peripheral Arterial Disease is often ignored as “age-related leg pain” until it becomes life-threatening.
Early recognition and timely intervention can:
- Prevent tissue death and gangrene
- Avoid major amputations
- Relieve severe pain
- Improve independence and quality of life
- Help patients return to routine activities
- Reduce mortality associated with advanced PAD
This case is a reminder that endovascular treatment saves limbs—and lives.
About Dr. Abhishek Kasha
Dr. Abhishek Kasha is a renowned Interventional Cardiologist with extensive expertise in:
- Complex peripheral angioplasty
- Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) interventions
- Diabetic limb salvage
- Endovascular therapies for PAD
His patient-centric approach and proficiency in advanced endovascular techniques continue to change lives—one limb at a time.
FAQs: Peripheral Angioplasty & Limb Salvage
1. What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?
PAD is a condition where the arteries supplying blood to the legs become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. This reduces blood flow, causing leg pain, non-healing wounds, gangrene, and, in severe cases, risk of amputation.
2. What symptoms indicate severe PAD?
You may need urgent evaluation if you experience:
- Leg pain while walking (claudication)
- Rest pain (pain even while lying down)
- Cold or numb feet
- Non-healing ulcers
- Blackened toes (gangrene)
- Difficulty walking or standing
3. What is Peripheral Angioplasty?
Peripheral Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure where a thin catheter and balloon are used to open blocked arteries in the legs. It restores blood flow without the need for open surgery.
4. What is Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO)?
CTO means the artery is completely blocked for a long time. It is one of the most challenging types of blockages but can often be treated successfully using advanced endovascular techniques.
5. Is angioplasty safe for elderly patients?
Yes. Peripheral angioplasty is often safer than surgical bypass, especially in patients who are:
- Elderly
- Diabetic
- Bedridden or weak
- At high surgical risk
Because it is minimally invasive, recovery is faster and complications are fewer.
6. Can angioplasty help avoid amputation?
Absolutely. Restoring blood flow is the key to healing wounds, improving pain, and preventing tissue death. Timely angioplasty is one of the best approaches to save limbs and avoid major amputation.
7. How long does the procedure take?
Most peripheral angioplasties take 60–90 minutes, depending on the severity and length of the blockage.
8. What is the recovery time after angioplasty?
Patients usually:
- Sit up within a few hours
- Walk the same or next day
- Return home within 24–48 hours
- Experience significant pain relief within days
Elderly patients often see a major improvement in mobility.
9. Can the blockage come back?
Yes, there is a chance of restenosis (re-narrowing). To reduce this:
- Keep diabetes and cholesterol under control
- Quit smoking
- Walk regularly
- Take prescribed blood thinners
- Follow up with your vascular specialist
10. What lifestyle changes help after the procedure?
- Regular walking program
- Healthy low-fat diet
- Control diabetes, BP, and cholesterol
- Avoid tobacco
- Maintain foot hygiene, especially for diabetics
- Regular follow-up vascular checkups
11. When should I visit a doctor urgently?
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice:
- Increasing rest pain
- Sudden coldness or color change in the foot
- Worsening wounds
- Spreading infection or blackening of toes
- Difficulty walking even short distances
12. Who is the right specialist for PAD treatment?
A vascular intervention expert or interventional cardiologist with peripheral expertise Dr. Abhishek Kasha is best suited to evaluate and perform angioplasty for PAD and limb salvage.